Smoothie With Banana, Blueberry & Flaxseed Oil

Blueberries provide deep, vibrant color in a smoothie that also includes bananas and flaxseed oil.

When thinking about making a smoothie for breakfast or any other time of day, the possible ingredient combinations are seemingly endless. Blending fresh fruits with healthy fats can make an excellent smoothie, and a mixture of banana, blueberry and flaxseed oil yields a drink that is not only extremely tasty but is also packed with nutrients. The flaxseed oil provides a mild and nutty flavor, and the fruits complement that with their sweetness.

Ingredients

Your smoothie requires just a few key ingredients, including fresh or frozen blueberries plus flaxseed oil, which you can buy at your local natural foods store or online. If you prefer, you can buy fresh bananas and blueberries, then wash and freeze whole blueberries and banana slices. Using frozen fruit yields a more frosty, thicker consistency. Flaxseed oil can easily spoil, so keep it refrigerated until just before you add it to your smoothie ingredients in the blender. Do not heat flaxseed oil.

Variations

Other ingredients you could incorporate into your smoothie include plain rice or whey protein powder, coconut oil, yogurt, milk, apple juice and raw honey. To boost the flavor and nutrient content, add more types of fruit, such as cherries, strawberries or blackberries. If you want to make your smoothie super cold and extra refreshing, add crushed ice to the mixture.

Instructions

Pour liquid, such as water or apple juice, into your blender. Add the bananas, blueberries, flaxseed oil and other ingredients, and firmly place the lid on the blender. Press any button on one of the lower-speed settings, such as the “blend” button. Once all of the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the fruit has become liquid, your smoothie is ready to enjoy. There will likely be some small pieces of blueberries in the drink, and that is completely fine.

Serving

If you are drinking your smoothie for breakfast, you can serve it as a standalone meal, or eat it along with a bowl of oatmeal or a wholegrain muffin when your appetite is more hearty. A smoothie also makes a great snack or post-exercise replenishment at any time of the day. You can take your smoothie along as portable refreshment, as long as you keep it cold in an insulated, leak-proof container.

Considerations

If you plan to make your smoothie hours before you drink it, such as the night before breakfast, store it in a glass container with a lid. Before drinking it, shake or stir it thoroughly so that all of the ingredients remix and combine evenly. Use organic fruit and other ingredients when possible.

About the Author

Judy Wilson has writing and editing expertise in health, technology, pets, business and travel. She has contributed to USAToday.com, SFGate.com and numerous other publications. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she completed Mini Medical School.